ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Jal Shakti Ministry assesses the progress made by Union Territory of Ladakh in implementation of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ with focus on Water Quality Testing
In continuation of the mid-term review series on progress of implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in States/ UTs, status of the mission in the Union Territory of Ladakh was reviewed through video conferencing. The Ministry of Jal Shakti is in the process of assessing the progress made by all the States and Union Territories to achieve the goal of universal coverage of tap water connections in rural households under Jal Jeevan Mission , the flagship programme of Union Government which aims to provide tap water connection to every rural home of the country by 2024.
Ladakh has around 44,082 rural households in 1,421 habitations, 288 villages and 191 Gram Panchayats. State has planned to provide 100% tap water connections in rural areas by 2021-22. To achieve that, the UT needs to utilize the existing water supply infrastructure. Ladakh has 254 villages with piped water supply systems. The UT administration is working on retrofitting and augmentation of the existing PWSs to provide tap water connections to remaining households.
Issues like preparation of Village Action Plan, constitution of Village Water & Sanitation Committee  were highlighted in the meeting. Emphasis was given on engaging voluntary organizations, NGOs, women SHGs as implementation support agencies to handhold the local community for planning, implementation and operation & maintenance of water supply systems. UT was asked to organize training for capacity building of Gram Panchayat functionaries as well as other stakeholders and also to focus on skill development training in villages to create a pool of trained human resources at village level, which will be very helpful in implementation as well O&M of water supply systems. The UT was advised to carry out the mandatory chemical testing and bacteriological testing of drinking water sources. Water quality testing is one of the priority areas under the mission.
In 2020-21, Ladakh has been allocated Rs. 352.09 Crore for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission. The UT was urged to plan for dovetailing of funds at village level in convergence with other programmes like MGNREGS, SBM, Local Area Development Fund, etc. for taking up works like strengthening of drinking water sources, water harvesting, grey water management, etc. to ensure judicious use of available funds.
The cold desert of Ladakh situated at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level, has a low average annual rainfall of 50 mm. Tourist influx and climatic changes are further calling for an urgent action to establish & maintain a sustainable system for potable water in this fragile region of the arid higher Himalayas. Jal Jeevan Mission provides the unique opportunity to address the issue holistically by ensuring ‘Har Ghar Jal’, so as to improve the lives of the people.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Petroleum Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan calls for a new paradigm of clean energy;exhorts industry leaders to drive transformation
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today said that the Indian Oil and gas sector will play an important role in the making of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat,fulfilling not only domestic requirements but also meeting the global expectations. Speaking at the FIPI Awards 2020 ceremony, he said that We must ensure energy security for our people and provide energy which is affordable, accessible, clean, efficient and sustainable. He said that we shall move towards making petroleum industry a clean energy industry.
The Minister said that there are a few sectors with such multi-faceted talent such as petroleum industry. Petroleum sector has contributed immensely to the nation’s development trajectory. “Today’s award function is a testimony to the good work being done in the petroleum industry.The sector has made valuable contribution in the nation’s development. The sector undertakes maximum capital spending, providing large employment and giving fillip to the economy and garnering revenue for the State.In about one century of journey of the oil and gas industry in the country, the sector has grown by leaps and bound. Despite deregulation and increased competition, the sector is doing exceedingly well. It is producing world class products, doing innovation and R&D, and showing vision.”
Shri Pradhan said that India has faced the COVID crisis bravely. Whether it is manufacturing of PPEs, vaccine or delivery of over 14cr free LPG cylinders, India adopted and implemented a multi-pronged response to the pandemic. During Covid-19, the oil companies led from the front, and helped the country face the pandemic effectively. No shortage of fuel was noted during the period in any part of the country. The distribution of over 14 crore cylinders to the Ujjawala beneficiaries during the period helped the poor who were in dire need of support at that time.
The Minister said that the Petroleum industry is full of people having experience, wisdom and vision. Hon. PM has laid down a roadmap for the energy sector. “Digitalisation, gas-based economy, new and alternative fuels are some of the areas we are focusing. Implementation of Pradhan Mantri UjjwalaYojana, movement towards gas-based economy, and rollout of BS-VI standard has been lauded the world over.”
The Minister said that Ethanol blending in petrol has reached over 8%. “We are targeting 20% ethanol blending by 2024-25 which will make India the country with largest ethanol blending in absolute terms.” He said that Energy demand in India is set to increase. We must deliberate on how we can move towards greater adoption of clean energy. India must assume leadership in exploration of cleaner forms of energy. Talking about Climate sustainability, he said that India has adopted the renewable energy on a massive scale. He called upon the industry to adopt new technology, new processes and new paradigm so that India’s future energy requirements are met mostly from the clean energy sources.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Digital Life Certificate Submission Camp held at SBI Balasore
More than 100 pensioners submitted Digital Life Certificates at the camp
A Digital Life Certificate Submission Camp through face Authentication Technology by Jeevan Praman App for pensioners under the Nation-wide Campaign for Digital Life Certificate was organized by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare and State Bank of India under the guidance of Administrative Office, Balasore at SBI Balasore Branch today.
Shri Vishal Kumar, Under Secretary, GOI, Shri Anshul Sharma, ASO, GOI, Shri T Chaitanya Reddy, Dy. Director, UIDAI and Shri Amarendra Kumar, DGM , SBI attended the programme.
This is a new initiative introduced by Government of India which facilitates submission of life certificate by pensioners digitally through Face Authentication Technology by Jeevan Pramaan APP. More than 100 pensioners submitted Digital Life Certificates through the new method at the camp. Shri Pitabasa Panigrahi, AGM, DB, Zone-II, Balasore was present on the occasion for smooth conduct of the programme.
DoPPW is organizing DLC campaign in 37 cities across country including three cities in Odisha such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Balasore to ensure awareness about "Ease of Living" welfare measures taken by the Government of India. The final camp of the state will be organised at Cuttack on November 19.
AYUSH
Integration of Ayush Knowledge into the Education Curriculum
Implementation Committee of National Education Policy 2020 formed by Department of Higher Education, which includes experts from Ministry of Ayush. As per the meeting held on 19th July 2021 of the Implementation Committee, an action taken report has been shared by Ministry of Ayush regarding inputs for implementation of New Education Policy.
Further a team of experts from National Institute of Ayurveda  a deemed to be university Under De-novo Category has drafted an outline of syllabus based on Ayurveda and Yoga for School Children from 1st to 10/12th Standard including Nursery, LKG and UKG levels which has been sent Department of School Education and Literacy.
The All India Institute Ayurveda  has developed an immunity boosting ‘Bala Raksha Kit’ for Children up to the age of 16 years. This kit has been made under the strict guidelines of the Ministry of AYUSH. This fights common infections and keep them healthy. The kit comprise of Syrup Bal Ayu Raksha Kwatha  which have medicinal qualities, part from Anu Oil, Samshamani Vati and Chywanprash. It has been manufactured by Indian Medicines pharmaceutical Corporation Limited , a Government of India enterprise, at its Uttrakhand based plant.
This information was given by Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Solar Charkha Mission to be launched soon in 50 clusters: Giriraj Singh
, MSME, addressing the press today.
The Solar Charkha Mission of the Ministry of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises , will be launched by the President, Ram Nath Kovind on June 27, 2018 in New Delhi. The Mission will cover 50 clusters and every cluster will employ 400 to 2000 artisans. The Mission has been approved by the Government of India and will disburse subsidy of Rs. 550 crore to the artisans. This was informed by the Minister of MSME at a press conference in New Delhi today while releasing a booklet on the 4 years’ achievement of his Ministry.
The Minister further informed that 15 new state-of-the-art technology centers are being set up all over the country including North-East, of which 10 centers will become operational by March 2019. Each center is being built at a cost of around Rs. 150 crore. The 10 centers which will become operational soon are located in Durg , Bhiwadi , Rohtak , Visakhapatnam , Bengaluru , Sitarganj , Baddi , Bhopal , Kanpur  and Puducherry.
The Minister further informed that under Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme  budgetary allocation for FY 2018-19 has been increased by 75% to Rs. 1,800 crore. In order to incentivize entrepreneurs, mainly women and SC/ST, Government will be making an investment of about Rs. 10,000 crore in the micro sector in this financial year.
The Minister also informed that work being done by the Ministry has promoted Ease-of-Doing-Business with the setting up of 4 portals: ‘MSME Sambandh’, MSME Samadhaan, Udyog Aadhaar and Udyam Sakhi.
He also informed that the Ministry of MSME has provided training to over 15 lakh people during the last 4 years through its various initiatives.
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Construction of Dams in Bihar
Water Resources Projects are planned, funded, executed and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and priorities. In order to supplement the efforts of the State Governments, Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme  etc. under Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchayeeYojana  as per the guidelines of such schemes.
As intimated by the Central Water Commission , no Major and Medium Irrigation Project proposal including construction of dams in Mithila Region/ Darbhanga district of Bihar has been received from the State Govt during last five years. However, it received a proposal of Dagmara Hydro Electric Project from Central Electricity Authority  on 12th June, 2020 for clearance from inter-state aspects. The same was accepted by CWC on 24th June, 2020. The project is a Run of the River scheme with installed capacity of 130.1 MW and envisages constructions of concrete barrage and earthen dam across Kosi River in Mithila region of Bihar.
This was stated by the The Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Rattan Lal Katatria in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Implementation of Sagarmala Projects
There are about 200 projects costing around Rs. 2.5 Lakh Crore that have been identified under Sagarmala programme for enhancing connectivity to Indian ports. These include 112 road projects, 70 Rail projects, 11 inland waterways projects, 3 pipeline projects and 15 multimodal logistics parks. These projects are being implemented by various agencies such as National Highways Authority of India, Indian Railways, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Inland Waterways Authority of India, Major Ports, CONCOR etc.
In Rajasthan, 2 Multi-Modal logistics parks are under development by CONCOR at Swarupganj and Phulera. In Maharashtra, 4 Multi-Modal logistics parks are under development by JNPT at Jalna, Wardha, Sangli and Nashik. Apart from this, important places like Jaisalmer in Rajasthan and places like Pune, Satara, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri at Maharashtra are being connected through Road/Rail with Ports.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways and Chemical & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh L Mandaviya in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Coal
Coal Production During February 2022 Increases by Two per cent to 79.54 Million Ton
During February Coal Based Power Generation Decreased by 3.5 per cent Compared to January 2022
India’s coal production increased by 2 % to 79.54 Million Ton  from 77.99 MT during February this year as compared to Feb 2020. As per the provisional statistics of Ministry of Coal, during Feb 2022, SCCL and Captives/Others registered a growth of 7.19% and 49.04% by producing 6.04 MT and 9.24MT. Whereas, CIL registered a negative growth of 2.87% by producing 64.26MT in comparison to 66.16MT in Feb 20. Coal Production of FY 22 has been compared with FY 20 as FY 21 has been considered as abnormal year due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Out of the top 35 coal producing mines, 14 mines performed more than 100 per cent. Five mines’ production performance was between 80 and 100 per cent and another five mines’ performance stood between 50 and 80 per cent.
Coal despatch increased by 7.480 % to 71.27 MT from 66.31 MT during February this year as compared to Feb 2020. During Feb 22, CIL and Captives/Others registered a growth of 4.90% and 38.17% by despatching 57.47 MT and 8.38MT respectively. Whereas, SCCL registered slightly negative growth of 0.81% by despatching 5.41MT in comparison to 5.46MT in Feb 20.
At the same time, the Power utilities despatch has grown by 15.27 % to 60.06 MT last month compared to 52.10 MT in Feb 2020. Fall in import prices have been observed since the end of Oct 2021. However, prices are still at high level discouraging coal import.
Coal based power generation has registered a growth of 7.58 % in the month of Feb 2022 in comparison to Feb 2020 . The overall power generation during last month has been 5.49% higher than the power generated in Feb 2020. However, coal based power generation in the month of Feb 2022 has been 85534 MU in comparison to 88642 MU in Jan 2022 with a negative growth of 3.51 %. Total power generation has also decreased in Feb 2022 to 112531 MU from 115757 MU the previous month.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
WELFARE OF ANGANWADI AND ASHA WORKERS
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package  Insurance Scheme for Health Care Workers Fighting COVID-19 was launched to provide comprehensive personal accident cover of Rs.50 Lakh to 22.12 lakh health care providers and the same has been extended to ASHA as well as Anganwadi Workers, who may have been in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and may be at risk of being impacted by this subject to fulfillment of the certain conditions. States/UTs have been asked to ensure provision of safety tools like masks, gloves, soaps and sanitizers etc. for ASHAs as well as Anganwadi Workers.
Under the National Health Mission, ASHAs are envisaged to be community health volunteers and are entitled to task/activity based incentives. However, in view of the significant contribution towards the COVID-19 pandemic related work by ASHAs, States were advised to pay an additional incentive of Rs.1000/- per month for those ASHAs engaged in COVID-19 related work using the resources of COVID-19 Health System Preparedness and Emergency Response Package. Provisions are also made for continued full payment of the existing Routine and Recurring Incentive of Rs. 2000 per month to ASHAs to ensure delivery of essential health services during the pandemic along with additional COVID-19 incentives for ASHAs.
Under PM Poshan , Cook-cum-helpers  are engaged for preparing and serving hot cooked meals at schools. They are honorary workers who come forward for rendering social services. In recognition of their services, the CCHs are paid Rs.1000/- per month as honorarium for 10 months in a year. Honorarium is also provided to CCHs for preparing and serving hot cooked meals in elementary schools during summer vacation in drought affected areas notified by the concerned State Governments. The honorarium expenditure is shared between the Central Government and States/ UTs as per approved sharing pattern. Some State Governments and UT Administrations also supplement the honorarium by providing additional funds from their own resources.
The year-wise detail on allocation for ICDS during the last five years is as under:
|
|
S.No
|
|
FY
|
|
Funds allocation for ICDS

|
|
1.
|
|
2016-17
|
|
14,000.00
|
|
2.
|
|
2017-18
|
|
15,245.19
|
|
3.
|
|
2018-19
|
|
16,334.88
|
|
4.
|
|
2019-20
|
|
19,834.37
|
|
5.
|
|
2020-21
|
|
20532.38
The budget allocation is sufficient to provide supplementary nutrition to all beneficiaries and also for providing insurance cover benefits to the scheme workers.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Urban MGNREGA Propgramme to provide employment
The data on employment/ unemployment is collected through Periodic Labour Force Survey  conducted by National Statistical Office , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation  since 2017-18. As per the latest PLFS report of 2019-20, the unemployment rate for persons of 15 years and above on usual status basis in urban areas was 6.9% which was 7.6% in 2018-19 and 7.7% in 2017-18.
Government has launched All-India Quarterly Establishment Based Employment Survey  in April, 2021. As per the result of the second round of Quarterly Employment Survey  for the period July to September 2021, employment increased to 3.10 crore in the nine selected sectors of the economy which was 3.08 crore during the first round of QES  against a total of 2.37 crores in these sectors taken collectively, as reported in the sixth Economic Census . Of the total employment estimated in the selected nine sectors, Manufacturing accounted for nearly 39%, followed by Education with 22% and Health as well as IT/BPOs sectors both around 10%. Trade and Transport sectors engaged 5.3% and 4.6% of the total estimated workers respectively.
This information was given by Shri Rameswar Teli, Minister of State, Ministry of Labour & Employment in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacts with Tiranga Mountain Rescue team in New Delhi
Lauds them for saving lives of Army personnel deployed in difficult areas through avalanche rescue & training
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh interacted with a team of Tiranga Mountain Rescue  in New Delhi on April 26, 2022. The TMR, founded by Shri Hemant Sachdev, is a non-profit organisation affiliated with the Indian Army since 2016. It provides multiple teams of highly motivated & qualified Avalanche Rescue professionals who are deployed in snow bound and difficult areas during the winter season. The teams have been instrumental in providing dedicated avalanche rescue & training to Indian Army personnel in mountain craft.
Shri Rajnath Singh was briefed on the activities of TMR during the event. The Raksha Mantri commended TMR for saving the lives of the Armed Forces personnel from threats like avalanches, besides raising awareness and imparting training to them. He termed TMR as a source of strength to the soldiers who are deployed in difficult areas and are exposed to various threats such as avalanches. He appreciated the fact that there has been no Army casualty in the locations where TMR is deployed. The Raksha Mantri stressed that TMR has a big responsibility on their shoulders as in the coming times threats such as avalanche may increase due to climate change.
The Raksha Mantri described the work being carried out by TMR as a shining example of partnership between the Government and civil society. He emphasised that a Nation moves forward on the path of development only when the government and civil society work together. “Government and civil society are the wheels on which the country can achieve the goal of all-round sustainable development,” he said.
Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt Gen Manoj Pande, Director General Military Operations Lt Gen BS Raju and other senior military officials were present on the occasion.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Promotion of Indigenous Sports
The Minister of State  for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel said in the Lok Sabha today that several indigenous sports such as Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Ball Badminton, Mallakhamb, Atya Patya, Sqay and Kalariyappattu are already supported under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations. He said there is provision for need based financial assistance for preservation and promotion of indigenous sports under the flagship programme of ‘Khelo India’. This scheme, inter-alia, provides for conducting sports competitions in two age groups of  under 14 and  under 17 all over India to encourage mass participation of both boys and girls in sports. This scheme includes a provision that States may decide including regional/indigenous/local popular games as part of competition.
In a written reply he said, under the “Indigenous Games and Martial Arts”  component of the National Sports Talent Contest  Scheme of the Sports Authority of India , for revival of traditional games popular in the country, SAI has adopted 10 schools having a total strength of 159 trainees  and the trainees under the scheme are provided with stipend at the rate of Rs.3000/- per month per head for 10 months, sports kit at the rate of Rs.1500/-, insurance at the rate of Rs.150/- per head per annum. Annual grant to the school at the rate of Rs.20000/- for purchase of sports equipment and at the rate of Rs.25,000/- per school per annum for organizing competition for scouting talent is also given. The sports disciplines covered under the IGMA are Archery, Gatka, kabaddi, kalarippayattu, Mukna, Thang-Ta, Silambam, Khomlainai and Mallakhamb.